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Wednesday, April 15, 2015

The Manila Collectible was nothing short of a wonder. Filled with tribal trinkets and unique ornaments, it was definitely the place that could spawn creativity, even to the most idle of minds. Unfortunately, The Manila Collectible will not be situated at Cabilco cor. Beatrico anymore. But do not fret as it will only be moving to its new home inside Fort Santiago. And it was in this store during its moving party that we decided to have our little sketch session, as a final farewell to its old home.

It was obviously the most appropriate place to do some sketches – the eclectic collection and the scenic view from the rooftop. Aside from that, we were lucky to catch the store’s farewell program at the rooftop and witness performances by local artists – one Shaman named Abraham Abdulla and one Calligrapher Mr. Kristian Kabuay. We got so drawn into the sketching vibe that we made two sets of sketches: one, afternoon sketch and the other, night sketch.

We were glad to spend our time at The Manila Collectible. We hope that we can visit the store in the future and see it in its new home.

The
sounds slowly fade out and the people around became figures in colors but,
they, too, blurred in the background. From where I am, I could see the spire of
the Manila Cathedral. Its lines and arcs and the turquoise roof which, even
under the direct hit of the sun, still looked cool to my eyes. Years of
anticipation for this moment didn't prepare me for the grandness of the structure
from up close. Its silent and non-deteriorating respectability drew out the
design enthusiast in me. Stoically, I absorbed the beauty and its imposing
stillness enveloped me in a world where no one, except the structure and I,
ever existed. One by one, I unearthed my sketching materials from my bag and I
took a deep breath before I made the first mark on my paper. The lines were
always dancing and had a rhythm on their own, which, as much as I would want
to, I couldn't control. The images drawn were a variation of light and shadows;
of alternating straight and curved lines; of weaved dreams and realities; and
the merging of past and present.

The Shaman Abraham Abdulla performed several wedding music in his kulintang, transporting us to another world - a world where silence and sound is of equal importance, and his slight and hard taps brought the peace and beauty of his land. For a time, we became conscious of a parallel world, of a gasping culture, so rich and so full of stories, but only seen by an outsider when the different worlds intersect in one definite moment, this time the moving out party of The Manila Collectible Co. Abraham Abdulla's music erased the language barriers and formed an invisible link for those of us who got a glimpse of his world.

Later, Kristian Kabuay, a prime mover of the campaign towards the popularization of the pre-Fiipino calligraphy, which is baybayin (usually and incorrectly known as Alibata), shared the brief story of his curiosity which later became his advocacy. He performed Tulang Kalis, and silently demanded us to appreciate the history and the beauty of our own writing, which has been unconsciously ignored with the development and evolution of our lives as Filipinos.

Kristian Kabuay. Photo by Meg Roxas

* * * * * * * * *

Gee Roxas Sketches

Meg Roxas Sketches

The Manila Cathedral at night. Photo by Gee Roxas

* Many thanks to Gee Roxas and Meg Roxas for the photos and for the invite. :)

Monday, April 6, 2015

Let's sketch animals this summer! Our official sketchwalk for the month of March will be at the Manila Zoo. You can start sketching as soon as you arrive, and we can meet up for show & tell at 11:45 in front of Mali the elephant.

*This event is open to the public and there are no registration fees, just the entrance fee to the zoo.

Wednesday, April 1, 2015

The mid-afternoon sun can be felt in the air. It was extra humid that day but it was again the third Saturday of the month, the schedule for the official sketchwalk of Urban Sketchers Philippines. On that day the sketch location is the Greenfield Weekend Market in Mandaluyong.

The tables were occupied with people: the families, the couples and friends hanging out. A closer look showed that 3-4 tables were occupied by the sketchers with their snacks and art materials seen in front of them. They were absorbed in their sketching of the various stalls, the people, and the several choices of food and drinks in the area.

Ige, Kuki and Manuel

Justin, Ram and Charm

Manuel, Lauren and Ige

With each completion of the minute-hand of its 360 degrees rotation, you'd see other tables filling up and some sketchers were in front of the stalls sketching the sales attendants, the merchandises, the buildings and other landmarks around the area.

The 7-year-old Nigel enjoying the sketching time

NiceNice in her attempt at watercoloring

Cynthia Feliciano and Brenn Chua

Kuki and Manuel

Cheddie with all that vigor

Ram and Charm

Patts

Manuel

Ige

In the area, you could also hear popular songs being played but not drowning the conversations of the people. The kids can also be seen playing, chasing bubbles, and some of the sketchers drew their fellow sketchers. Some of these members had conversations with strangers who got curious and interested in the on-location sketches.

The Roxas sisters Meg and Gee having a good time while sketching

With Patts, Cheddie, Gee, Cynthia and Nigel

Before the day ended the group gathered for the show and tell.

Our output for the day!

The group with new sketchers Brenn, Kuki, and Aurelio

Some of the members stayed for more sketching time. But it was a great day to sketch with everyone!

About

Urban Sketchers is a network of artists around the world who draw the cities where they live and travel to. Our mission is to "Show the World, One Drawing at a Time." Visit our main blog at urbansketchers.org for more information.

We have recently changed our name from Urban Sketchers Philippines to Urban Sketchers Manila. Sketchers in Manila share their drawings on this blog.

OUR MANIFESTO

1. We draw on location, indoors or out, capturing what we see from direct observation. 2. Our drawings tell the story of our surroundings, the places we live and where we travel. 3. Our drawings are a record of time and place. 4. We are truthful to the scenes we witness. 5. We use any kind of media and cherish our individual styles. 6. We support each other and draw together. 7. We share our drawings online. 8. We show the world, one drawing at a time.

The Urban Sketchers logo was created by Italian graphic designer Franco Lancio.